Report: More Missourians wearing seatbelts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A new report shows the percentage of Missourians using seat belts edging higher but still below the national average. A survey by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety found 79 percent of the public wearing seats belts, slightly higher than last year's figure of 76 percent. The national average is 85 percent. Among Missouri teens, seat belt use remains relatively flat at 67 percent compared with 66 percent last year. The report released Wednesday by the Missouri Department of Transportation says the numbers are based on observations of more than 127,000 drivers and passengers at 460 rural and urban sites. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is a partnership of safety organizations including law enforcement, health care, state and federal agencies and planning organizations.